Middle Grades Education, M.A.T.

The Middle Grades Education M.A.T. program is for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree and wish to become a highly effective middle grades (5-8) teacher. Throughout your coursework you will gain a deep understanding of young adolescents' developmental needs, build in-depth content knowledge and pedagogical skills, and learn how to adopt culturally responsive, critical, and asset-based teaching practices. When you graduate, you will know how to design innovative curricula based in inquiry, remove barriers that impede students’ ability to reach their fullest potential, and support student success across the disciplines.

NCE offers three ways to earn the Middle Grades Education, M.A.T. and eligibility for an Illinois Professional Educator License (Grades 5-8):

• The Middle Grades Education, M.A.T. (Traditional) is appropriate for most candidates
• The Middle Grades Education, M.A.T. (Teacher Residency Program) is for candidates accepted into NLU’s teacher residency licensure partner program
• The Middle Grades Education, M.A.T. (Alternative Teacher Licensure) is for candidates accepted into NLU’s alternative teacher licensure partner program

In all versions of the M.A.T., candidates must choose one of the following concentrations:

• Science
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Social Science